Letter: Here’s a better solution to building new roads

When looking at the proposals for the Harrogate relief road, I realised that the project could take a considerable number of years.

A more proactive response might be to provide more dedicated cycle routes, with solar cell lighting for safety at night.

Sufficient, well located bike parking areas with CCTV coverage would help, as would a publicity campaign to encourage parents and children to cycle to school.

The benefits are obvious, with reduction of carbon emissions plus better air quality; more predictable local journey times because with dedicated cycle lanes, people would not be held up in stressful traffic jams; instead of parents leaving home early to take account of heavy traffic (and sitting in cars at their destination with the engine idling) they could cycle to meet their children; maintaining/improving health